Derbyshire schoolchildren celebrate

Derbyshire youngsters gave a commemorative send off to Diamond Jubilee year when they were presented with their winning anniversary plates.

Primary schoolchildren from sixty-three county schools put their creative talents to the test to design a lasting memory of HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 year reign.

Of the 90 entries submitted, six finalists, aged 5 to 12, were chosen to have their royal works of art transformed from paper to pottery plates by local stoneware manufacturer Denby Pottery.

Each of the youngsters won a handpainted keepsake plate for themselves and one for their school.

Derbyshire County Council Chairman Councillor George Wharmby, who helped shortlist the winning designs, said: “This was a landmark year for our country, the likes of which we may never see again in our lifetime and we wanted as many children as possible to enjoy and feel part of this unique event in our nation’s history by actively taking part in the jubilee.

“The standard of entries was very high and it was very difficult choosing the winners but we went for designs which we thought would translate well from paper to pottery plates.”